10/20/2025
Turning Grief into Action: Celebrating 125 Years of Florence Crittenton Services
This week, we celebrate 125 years of serving Kansas youth and families—an incredible milestone built on the vision and dedication of our founders, Charles Crittenton and Dr. Kate Waller Barrett.
Charles Crittenton was a businessman, philanthropist, and visionary who, after losing his 4-year-old daughter Florence, devoted his life to helping girls and women in desperate circumstances—those exploited, homeless, or escaping violence. He believed in going beyond the warnings of the street preachers to provide practical solutions to help women build better lives. For 16 years, he traveled the country in his “Good News” train, opening homes and inspiring communities to join his mission.
Dr. Kate Waller Barrett, a physician, reformer, and tireless advocate for girls and young women, joined Crittenton in 1895. Together, they co-founded the National Florence Crittenton Mission, establishing dozens of homes across the U.S. and internationally, creating a lasting legacy of empowerment and care.
In Topeka, our Florence Crittenton Home opened in 1900 with the support of local leaders and volunteers. Over the years, it grew into a safe haven for girls and young women, breaking barriers by becoming the first integrated home in 1958.
While much has changed in the in the size and scope of the services we provide, we continue to honor this incredible foundation —bringing compassion, innovation, and hope to the youth and families we serve.
Learn more about our history, timeline, and current programs at the link below.
https://flocritkansas.org/125-year-legacy/
